Method and apparatus for generating labels

ABSTRACT

A method including selecting a type of label to be printed, inputting information for the label to be printed, wherein the information includes label data defining content of an image to be printed, and parameter data defining at least one parameter of the label to be printed, saving the information for the label to be printed as a file in a memory, and providing the file with a file extension name indicative of the type of label.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S.Provisional Appl. No. 61/788,275, filed Mar. 15, 2013. U.S. ProvisionalAppl. No. 61/788,275 is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to the preparation of labels to beprinted. More particularly it relates to the saving of label files forlabels to be printed.

BACKGROUND

Known label printing apparatuses are disclosed in EP-A-322918 andEP-A-322919 (Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha) and EP-A-267890(Varitronic). The label printing apparatuses each include a cassettereceiving bay for receiving a cassette or tape holding case. InEP-A-267890, the tape holding case houses an ink ribbon and a substratetape, the latter comprising an upper image receiving layer secured to abacking layer by an adhesive. In EP-A-322918 and EP-A-322919, the tapeholding case houses an ink ribbon, a transparent image receiving tapeand a double sided adhesive tape which is secured at one of its adhesivecoated sides to the image tape after printing and which has a backinglayer peelable from its other adhesive coated side. With both theseapparatus, the image transfer medium (ink ribbon) and the imagereceiving tape (substrate) are in the same cassette.

It has also been proposed by the present applicants in, for example,EP-A-578372 to house the ink ribbon and the substrate tape in separatecassettes.

In all of these cases, the image receiving tape passes in overlap withthe ink ribbon to a print zone consisting of a fixed print head and aplaten against which the print head can be pressed to cause an image totransfer from the ink ribbon to the image receiving tape. There are manyways of doing this, including dry lettering or dry film impression, butthe most usual way currently is by thermal printing where the print headis heated and the heat causes ink from the ink ribbon to be transferredto the image receiving tape.

In other known tape printing apparatuses, so-called direct thermal tapesare used, in which an image is created directly onto the direct thermaltape without the interposition of an ink ribbon cassette. Elements of aprint head are heated, and the heat causes chemicals within the directthermal tape to react and produce an image in or on the tape.

The apparatuses of the type described above are provided with a keyboardwhich enables a user to enter characters, symbols and the like to forman image to be printed by the tape printer. The keyboard usually hastext character keys and number keys for entering letters and numbersrespectively, plus some function keys which, among other things, operatemenus and allow printing attributes to be set.

“Stand-alone” label printers can be distinguished from “label printersystems”, which comprise a printer connected to a PC or other computingdevice. In such label printer systems, a user creates or edits a labelfor printing using a PC, and then sends print data to a printer to causethe printer to print the print data onto a label medium. In such labelprinter systems, the user will view a display of the PC to create alabel, rather than a display of the printer. Also, the label-editingsoftware used for creating the label will be stored and run on the PC,rather than the printer.

In contrast, stand-alone label printers are operable independently of aPC or other computer to create and print a label. Although somestand-alone printers are connectable to a PC or other computer toreceive some data, they are nevertheless operable independently of thePC or other computer to create a label for printing, since label-editingsoftware used for creating the label is stored and run on the labelprinter itself. Stand-alone label printers thus usually include anintegral display via which the user can view an interface of thelabel-editing software.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In a first aspect there is provided a method comprising: selecting atype of label to be printed; inputting information for said label to beprinted, wherein said information comprises label data defining contentof an image to be printed, and parameter data defining at least oneparameter of the label to be printed; saving said information for saidlabel to be printed as a file in a memory, and providing said file witha file extension name indicative of the type of label.

Preferably said method comprises transferring said file between a firstdevice and a second device.

Preferably said first device comprises one of a label printer and a PC,and said second device comprises one of a label printer and a PC.

Preferably said method comprises maintaining said file extension namewhen transferring said file between said first device and said seconddevice.

Preferably said method comprises opening said file on said seconddevice, and displaying to a user an image of a label in accordance withsaid saved information.

Preferably the method comprises providing a user with an option to linkdata from an external file with said saved file.

Preferably the method comprises synchronising the external file with thesaved file.

Preferably said file is saved as an XML file.

Preferably said type of label comprises one of: a general label; a cablewrap label; a 110-block label; a patch panel label; a horizontal breakerlabel; an asset tracking label; a heat shrink label; an arc flash label;a quick label; a flag label; a distribution panel label; a terminalblock label; a vertical breaker label; a pipe marking label; a selflaminating cable wrap label; a right-to-know label.

Preferably said label data comprises alphanumeric character data.

Preferably said label data comprises bar-code data.

Preferably said parameter information comprises one or more of:information regarding a specific cassette used; label layoutinformation; print settings information; label formatting information.

Preferably said label layout information comprises information definingthe relative positions of parts of the image to be printed.

Preferably said print settings information comprises one or more ofcollating sequence information; mirrored setting information; cuttinginformation; number of labels.

Preferably said label formatting information comprises one or more of:font size; font style; horizontal alignment; vertical alignment.

In a further aspect there is provided a computer program comprisingcomputer program code means adapted to perform the method describedabove when said program is run on a computer.

In a further aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising: at leastone selector for enabling a user to select a type of label to beprinted, and for enabling a user to input information for said label tobe printed, wherein said information comprises label data definingcontent of an image to be printed, and parameter data defining at leastone parameter of the label to be printed; a memory for saving saidinformation for said label to be printed as a file; the apparatusconfigured to provide said file with a file extension name indicative ofthe type of label.

Preferably said apparatus is configured to transfer said file to asecond device.

Preferably said apparatus comprises one of a label printer and a PC, andsaid second device comprises one of a label printer and a PC.

Preferably said apparatus is configured to maintain said file extensionname when transferring said file between said first device and saidsecond device.

Preferably said second device comprises a display, said second deviceconfigured to display to a user an image of a label in accordance withsaid saved information when said file is opened on said second device.

Preferably the apparatus is configured to provide a user with an optionto link data from an external file with said saved file.

Preferably the apparatus is configured to synchronise the external filewith the saved file.

Preferably said apparatus is configured to save said file as an XMLfile.

Preferably said type of label comprises one of: a general label; a cablewrap label; a 110-block label; a patch panel label; a horizontal breakerlabel; an asset tracking label; a heat shrink label; an arc flash label;a quick label; a flag label; a distribution panel label; a terminalblock label; a vertical breaker label; a pipe marking label; aself-laminating cable wrap label; a right-to-know label.

Preferably said label data comprises alphanumeric character data.

Preferably said label data comprises bar-code data.

Preferably said parameter information comprises one or more of:information regarding a specific cassette used; label layoutinformation; print settings information; label formatting information.

Preferably said label layout information comprises information definingthe relative positions of parts of the image to be printed.

Preferably said print settings information comprises one or more ofcollating sequence information; mirrored setting information; cuttinginformation; number of labels.

Preferably said label formatting information comprises one or more of:font size; font style; horizontal alignment; vertical alignment.

In a further aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising means forselecting a type of label to be printed, and means for inputtinginformation for said label to be printed, wherein said informationcomprises label data defining content of an image to be printed, andparameter data defining at least one parameter of the label to beprinted; memory means for saving said information for said label to beprinted as a file; and means for providing said file with a fileextension name indicative of the type of label.

Preferably said apparatus comprises means for transferring said file toa second device.

Preferably said apparatus comprises one of a label printer and a PC, andsaid second device comprises one of a label printer and a PC.

Preferably said apparatus comprises means for maintaining said fileextension name when transferring said file between said first device andsaid second device.

Preferably said second device comprises display means, said seconddevice configured to display to a user an image of a label in accordancewith said saved information when said file is opened on said seconddevice.

Preferably said apparatus comprises means for providing a user with anoption to link data from an external file with said saved file.

Preferably the apparatus comprises means for synchronising the externalfile with the saved file.

Preferably said apparatus comprises means for saving said file as an XMLfile.

Preferably said type of label comprises one of: a general label; a cablewrap label; a 110-block label; a patch panel label; a horizontal breakerlabel; an asset tracking label; a heat shrink label; an arc flash label;a quick label; a flag label; a distribution panel label; a terminalblock label; a vertical breaker label; a pipe marking label; aself-laminating cable wrap label; a right-to-know label.

Preferably said label data comprises alphanumeric character data.

Preferably said label data comprises bar-code data.

Preferably said parameter information comprises one or more of:information regarding a specific cassette used; label layoutinformation; print settings information; label formatting information.

Preferably said label layout information comprises information definingthe relative positions of parts of the image to be printed.

Preferably said print settings information comprises one or more ofcollating sequence information; mirrored setting information; cuttinginformation; number of labels.

Preferably said label formatting information comprises one or more of:font size; font style; horizontal alignment; vertical alignment.

In a further aspect there is provided a method comprising: displaying afirst list of labels stored on a first device, and concurrentlydisplaying a second list of labels stored on a second device; providinga means for transferring labels between said first device and saidsecond device; and updating at least one of said first list and saidsecond list in response to said transferring.

Preferably said first list is displayed adjacent said second list.

Preferably said means for transferring comprises at least one selectableicon.

Preferably said selectable icon comprises at least one arrow.

Preferably said selectable icon is displayed between said first list andsaid second list.

Preferably said first device comprises one of a label printer and a PC,and said second device comprises one of a label printer and a PC.

Preferably said method comprises displaying a memory usage of one orboth of said first device and said second device.

In a further aspect there is provided a computer program comprisingcomputer program code means adapted to perform the method describedabove when said program is run on a computer.

In a further aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising: acontroller for controlling a display; the controller configured tocontrol the display to display a first list of labels stored on saidapparatus, and concurrently display a second list of labels stored on asecond device; the controller configured to provide on the display aselector for transferring labels between said apparatus and said seconddevice; and in response to said transferring labels between saidapparatus and said second device, said controller configured to updateat least one of said first list and said second list.

Preferably said controller is configured to display said first listadjacent said second list.

Preferably said selector comprises at least one selectable icon.

Preferably said selectable icon comprises at least one arrow.

Preferably said controller is configured to control the display todisplay said selectable icon between said first list and said secondlist.

Preferably said apparatus comprises one of a label printer and a PC, andsaid second device comprises one of a label printer and a PC.

Preferably said controller is configured to control the display todisplay a memory usage of one or both of said apparatus and said seconddevice.

In a further aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising means fordisplaying a first list of labels stored on said apparatus, andconcurrently displaying a second list of labels stored on a seconddevice; means for transferring labels between said first device and saidsecond device; and means for updating at least one of said first listand said second list in response to said transferring.

Preferably said first list is displayed adjacent said second list.

Preferably said means for transferring comprises at least one selectableicon.

Preferably said selectable icon comprises at least one arrow.

Preferably said selectable icon is displayed between said first list andsaid second list.

Preferably said apparatus comprises one of a label printer and a PC, andsaid second device comprises one of a label printer and a PC.

Preferably said apparatus comprises means for displaying a memory usageof one or both of said first device and said second device.

In a further aspect there is provided a method comprising: displaying aplurality of selectable options for a label to be printed; and providingmeans for enabling a user to alter a status of at least one of saidoptions; wherein said status comprises an indication of a userpreference for said at least one option.

Preferably the method comprises enabling a user to alter said statusbetween a first status which indicates that the at least one option is apreferred option of said user, and a second status which indicates thatthe at least one option is not a preferred option of said user.

Preferably said plurality of selectable options are displayed in one ofa list and a menu.

Preferably said plurality of selectable options are positioned in saidone of a list and a menu in dependence on their status.

Preferably said means for enabling a user to alter said status comprisesa selectable icon.

Preferably said method comprises enabling a user to one of select andde-select said selectable icon.

Preferably the plurality of selectable options comprises one or more of:a label type; a saved label; an image or icon to be inserted into alabel.

Preferably said label type comprises one of: a general label; a cablewrap label; a 110-block label; a patch panel label; a horizontal breakerlabel; an asset tracking label; a heat shrink label; an arc flash label;a quick label; a flag label; a distribution panel label; a terminalblock label; a vertical breaker label; a pipe marking label; a selflaminating cable wrap label; a right-to-know label.

In a further aspect there is provided a computer program comprisingcomputer program code means adapted to perform the method describedabove when said program is run on a computer.

In a further aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising: acontroller for controlling a display; the controller configured tocontrol the display to display a plurality of selectable options for alabel to be printed; said controller configured to enable a user toalter a status of at least one of said options; wherein said statuscomprises an indication of a user preference for said at least oneoption.

Preferably the controller is configured to enable a user to alter saidstatus between a first status which indicates that the at least oneoption is a preferred option of said user, and a second status whichindicates that the at least one option is not a preferred option of saiduser.

Preferably said controller is configured to control said display todisplay said plurality of selectable options in one of a list and amenu.

Preferably said controller is configured to control said display todisplay said plurality of selectable options in said one of a list and amenu in dependence on their status.

Preferably said controller is configured to control the display todisplay a selectable icon for enabling a user to alter said status.

Preferably said controller is configured to enable a user to one ofselect and de-select said selectable icon.

Preferably the plurality of selectable options comprises one or more of:a label type; a saved label; an image or icon to be inserted into alabel.

Preferably said label type comprises one of: a general label; a cablewrap label; a 110-block label; a patch panel label; a horizontal breakerlabel; an asset tracking label; a heat shrink label; an arc flash label;a quick label; a flag label; a distribution panel label; a terminalblock label; a vertical breaker label; a pipe marking label; aself-laminating cable wrap label; a right-to-know label.

In a further aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising means fordisplaying a plurality of selectable options for a label to be printed;and means for enabling a user to alter a status of at least one of saidoptions; wherein said status comprises an indication of a userpreference for said at least one option.

Preferably the apparatus comprises means for enabling a user to altersaid status between a first status which indicates that the at least oneoption is a preferred option of said user, and a second status whichindicates that the at least one option is not a preferred option of saiduser.

Preferably said plurality of selectable options are displayed in one ofa list and a menu.

Preferably said plurality of selectable options are positioned in saidone of a list and a menu in dependence on their status.

Preferably said means for enabling a user to alter said status comprisesa selectable icon.

Preferably said apparatus comprises means for enabling a user to one ofselect and de-select said selectable icon.

Preferably the plurality of selectable options comprises one or more of:a label type; a saved label; an image or icon to be inserted into alabel.

Preferably said label type comprises one of: a general label; a cablewrap label; a 110-block label; a patch panel label; a horizontal breakerlabel; an asset tracking label; a heat shrink label; an arc flash label;a quick label; a flag label; a distribution panel label; a terminalblock label; a vertical breaker label; a pipe marking label; aself-laminating cable wrap label; a right-to-know label.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing certain parts of one type of labelprinting system;

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing certain parts of another type of labelprinting system;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of certain parts of a label printingsystem;

FIG. 4 shows a user interface according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 shows a user interface according to a further embodiment;

FIG. 6 shows a display of saved files according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 shows a user interface according to a further embodiment;

FIG. 8 shows a user interface according to a further embodiment;

FIG. 9 shows a user interface according to a further embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows in plan view a first label printer which has two cassettesarranged therein. Typically, this label printer 1 is powered bybatteries at least part of the time. Alternatively the label printer maybe mains powered.

The upper cassette is located in a first cassette receiving portion 26and contains a supply of image receiving tape 4 which passes through aprint zone 3 of the label printer 1 to an outlet 5 of the label printer1. The image receiving tape 4 comprises an upper layer for receiving aprinted image on its upper surface and has its other surface coated withan adhesive layer to which is secured a releasable backing layer. Theupper cassette 2 has a recess for accommodating a platen 8 of the labelprinter 1, and guide portions 22 and 24 for guiding the tape through aprint zone 3. The platen 8 is mounted for rotation within a cagemoulding 10. Alternatively the platen could be mounted for rotation on apin.

The lower cassette 11 is located in the second cassette receivingportion 28 and contains a thermal transfer ribbon 12 which extends fromthe supply spool 30 to a take-up spool 32 within the cassette 11. Thethermal transfer ribbon 12 extends through the print zone 3 in overlapwith the image receiving tape 4. The cassette 11 has recess 14 forreceiving a print head 18 of the label printer 1 and guide portions 34and 36 for guiding the thermal transfer ribbon 12 through the print zone3. Print head 18 is moveable between an operative position shown in FIG.1, in which it is in contact with the platen 8 and holds the thermaltransfer ribbon 12 and the image receiving tape 4 in overlap between aprint head 18 and the platen 8, and an inoperative position in which itis moved away from the platen 8 to release thermal transfer ribbon 12and image receiving tape 4. In the operative position, the platen 8 isrotated to cause the image receiving tape 12 to be driven past printhead 18 and the print head 18 is controlled to print an image on theimage receiving tape 4 by thermal transfer of ink from the ribbon 12.Each of the printing elements on the print head 18 is activatableseparately and is activated in accordance with the desired image to beprinted. The label printer 1 has a lid (which is not shown) which ishinged along the rear of the cassette receiving portions 26 and 28 andwhich covers both cassettes when in place.

A DC motor 7 (see FIG. 3) continuously drives the platen 8. The platenis arranged to drive the image receiving tape 4 through the print zone 3by the actuation of its own rotation. In other embodiments, transport ofthe image receiving tape across the print head can be done by othermeans, such as by a separate driven roller of the printer or of thecassette, or by a pair of cooperating rollers positioned on oppositesides of the tape, or by other means.

The image is printed by the print head 18 on the image receiving tape ona column by column basis with the columns being adjacent one another inthe direction of movement of the tape 4.

FIG. 2 illustrates in plan view a cassette bay of a second label printer1′ which uses a one cassette system. Like reference numerals are usedfor those parts which are also shown in FIG. 1. The cassette bay isshown by the dotted line 40. The cassette bay 40 includes a thermalprint head 18 and a platen 8 which cooperate to define a print zone 3.

The print head 18 is pivotable about a pivot point so that it can bebrought into contact with the platen 8 for printing and moved away fromthe platen 8 to enable the cassette to be removed and replaced as in thefirst embodiment. Alternatively the platen is pivotable so that it canbe brought into contact with the printhead for printing and moved awayfrom the printhead to enable the cassette to be inserted. A cassetteinserted into the cassette bay 40 is denoted generally by referencenumeral 44. The cassette 44 holds a supply spool 46 of image receivingtape 4. The image receiving tape 4 is guided by a guide mechanism (whichis not shown) through the cassette 44, past the print zone 3 and out ofthe cassette 44 through an outlet O to a cutting location C. The samecassette 44 also has an ink ribbon supply spool 48 and an ink ribbontake up spool 50. The ink ribbon 12 is guided from the ink ribbon supplyspool 48 through the print zone 3 and taken up on the ink ribbon take upspool 50. As with the first embodiment, the image receiving tape 4passes in overlap with the ink ribbon 12 through the print zone 3 withits image receiving layer in contact with the ink ribbon 12. The platenof this second embodiment is also driven by a motor 7. The motor rotatesto drive continuously the image receiving tape through the print zone 3during printing. In either of the embodiments, it is possible that thetape be driven in a step wise manner by a stepper motor.

An image is printed on the tape fed out from the print zone to thecutting location C which is provided at a location in a portion of thewall of the cassette 44 which is close to the print zone 3. The portionof the wall on the cassette 44 where the cutting location C is definedis denoted by reference 52. A slot 54 is defined in the wall portion 52and the image receiving tape 4 is fed past the print zone 3 and out ofthe cassette 44 through an outlet O to the cutting location C where itis supported by facing wall portions on either side of the slot 54.

The second label printing device 1′ includes a cutting mechanism 56including a cutter support member 58 which carries a blade 60. The blade60 cuts the image receiving tape 4 and then enters the slot 54. Itshould be appreciated that the first embodiment will usually alsoinclude a cutting mechanism.

These example label printers 1 and 1′ may act as stand-alone printingdevices including a controller for receiving inputs from a user and toalter what is displayed on a display of the printing devices.Furthermore, the label printers 1 and 1′ may also be connectable orconnected to a PC, in which case the PC also includes a controller toreceive inputs from a user and to alter what is displayed on a displayof the printer or of the PC.

Basic circuitry for controlling the label printer 1 of FIG. 1 or thelabel printer 1′ of FIG. 2 is shown in FIG. 3. There is a controller or“control means” (such as a micro controller unit (MCU) or processor)600, a non-volatile memory 602 which is for example a read only memory(ROM) or a flash type of memory. The flash type of memory may be used inplace of, or in addition to the read only memory. A volatile memorycomprising a random access memory RAM 604 and/or display RAM is alsoprovided. The MCU 600 is connected to receive label data input to itfrom a data input device such as a touch panel 608 of a touchscreen 612via a touch panel controller 606. In alternative embodiments, the datainput device may comprise one or more of a hardware keyboard includingplural keys, a mouse, a digital pen or tracker ball, or any other meansfor enabling a user to send commands to the controller 600. In someembodiments, the touchscreen 612 is omitted. The MCU 600 outputs data todrive the display 610 (which together with the touch panel 608 form thetouchscreen 612) to display a label to be printed (or a part thereof)and/or a message for the user. Additionally, the MCU 600 also outputsdata to drive the print head 18 so that the label data is printed ontothe image receiving tape to form a label. Finally, the MCU 600 alsocontrols the motor 7 for driving the platen. The MCU 600 may alsocontrol the cutting mechanism 56 of FIG. 2 or a cutting mechanism of thedevice shown in FIG. 1 to allow a length of tape to be cut off. Inalternative embodiments at least part of the cutting mechanism may bemanually operated.

It should also be understood that where the label printer 1 or 1′ isconnected to an external apparatus such as a PC, then the PC alsocontains similar components such as at least one memory and at least oneprocessor to enable the PC to carry out the operations of creating alabel to be printed. Such a PC will also be connected to a display meanssuch as a monitor.

Hereafter it should be understood that labels may be created on eitheror both of the label printing apparatus itself or on an externalapparatus such as a PC connected to the label printer. Accordingly, itshall be understood that hereafter terms such as “memory”, “processor”and “display” may refer to these components on either or both of a labelprinting apparatus and a PC.

FIG. 4 generally shows a user interface 400 according to an embodiment.The user interface 400 may be presented on a monitor of a PC or on adisplay of a label printing apparatus. A user can navigate about theuser interface 400 by known means. For example the user may operate amouse or tracker-ball and can select options on the user interface 400by placing a mouse pointer over an icon and clicking on that icon toselect it. However it should also be appreciated that in otherembodiments, for example where a touchscreen is used, the user maydirectly touch the screen or display so as to select icons and enterinformation. A user may also use a hardware keyboard or the likeattached to a PC or directly attached to a label printer for navigatingabout the user interface.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4 a user has clicked on home icon 402, so thatthe user is now presented with home screen 401. This presents the userwith a number of label types which may be selected by clicking on theirrespective icon. These label types include a general label 404, a cablewrap label 406, a 110-block label 408, a patch panel label 410, ahorizontal breaker label 412, an asset tracking label 414, a heat shrinklabel 416, an arc flash label 418, a quick label 420, a flag label 422,a distribution panel label 424, a terminal block level 426, a verticalbreaker label 428, a pipe marking label 430, a self-laminating cablewrap label 432, and a right-to-know label 434. It should be appreciatedthat further label types may also be displayed on the home screen 401.

The heat shrink label 416, arc flash label 418, self-laminating cablewrap label 432, and right-to-know label 434 are each displayed with anexclamation mark adjacent their icon. This informs the user that theselabel types are not available in the given context. For example it maynot be possible to print these label types on the selected type of labelmaterial. The selected type of label material is shown at portion 436 ofthe user interface 400.

The label option types are presented to a user when they click on the“new label” icon 438. In the embodiment of FIG. 4 the “new label” screenalso doubles as the home screen.

Other options are also available to a user via user interface 400. Theseinclude an “open label” icon 439. By clicking on this icon the user canopen a previously saved label. By clicking on “file management” icon 440the user enters a further interface where the user can manage theirsaved files, such as renaming the file and transferring the files to andfrom a label printer. The user can also access a settings menu via icon442 for changing settings of the user interface. For example the usercan change the language setting and whether to use imperial or metricunits.

By clicking on icon 444 the user is presented with a drop down list oflabel printers. The type of label printer selected may for exampledetermine the types of label that are available to a user and/orformatting options available.

Icon 446 is a “quick print” icon which enables a user to quickly print acurrently displayed label by clicking on icon 446.

If a user is already in the process of preparing a label, and has exitedthe label editing screen for any reason, then they can quickly return toediting that label by clicking on “continue editing” icon 448.

FIG. 5 shows a user saving a label file according to an embodiment. Theuser interface 500 has been overlaid with a window 502 with which a usercan save a created label. A label preview area 504 of the user interfaceis still visible, although it has been greyed out in order to highlightthe saving window 502. It is nevertheless possible to see that the userhas created a patch panel label 506, which is displayed adjacent apreview of patch panel 508.

The window 502 comprises a region 510 in which a user can enter a filename for the label to be saved. The window 502 also comprises a dropdown menu 512 which enables a user to select the type of file to besaved. In some embodiments a detection is made as to which type of labelhas been prepared by a user, and the drop down menu automaticallydisplays the detected label type. In the example of FIG. 5, it has beendetected that a patch panel label has been prepared, and accordingly ithas automatically selected a patch panel job file as the type of labelto saved. Region 514 of window 502 displays to a user previously savedfiles of this type. It will be noted that each previously created labelin this example has the same file extension name “.PPJOB”. Once the userhas filled in the file name in box 510 they can then save the label byclicking on icon 516. Alternatively the user can exit save window 502 byclicking on cancel button 518.

FIG. 6 shows in more detail a saved patch panel label file 520. Thepatch panel label file has been given the file name “patch panel” asshown at 522, and the file extension “.PPJOB” 524. Adjacent the filename522 is provided an image icon 526 representative of a patch panel.Accordingly the user can easily see from the file name extension 524 andthe image icon 526 that this saved label relates to a patch panel typeof label. The size of the label file is also shown at 528, and the typeof label file is again shown at 530. Date and time information of whenthe label file was saved is shown at 532.

It will of course be appreciated that other types of label can be savedin this manner, and that a patch panel label has been shown in FIGS. 5and 6 by way of example only. The following table provides examples oflabel types and associated file extension names.

Editor Name File Extension Patch Panel Editor *.PPJob General Editor*.GenJob 110 Block *.110Job Arc Flash *.AFJob Asset Tag *.ATJob VerticalBreaker *.VBreakerJob Distribution Panel *.DistJob Flag *.FlagJob HeatShrink Tubing *.HSTJob Horizontal Breaker *.HBreakerJob Pipe Marking*.PMJob Quick Label *.QuickJob Right-to-know *.RTKJob Self Lam *.SLJobTerminal Block *.TBJob Wire Wrap *.WrapJob

In embodiments, when a user saves the label (for example by clicking onsave icon 516 in FIG. 5), then the user may be provided with the optionto save all the details of the label in the file or “job file”. In someembodiments all of the details of the label will be automatically saved.For example the saved job file may save the following information:

Label application type e.g. patch panel, flag label etc

Label layout. For a patch panel label for example, the job file maycontain the number of ports, the port to port distance and groupclearance etc. For a general label that contains text placed at the topand bottom of the label, and a barcode in between for example, the savedjob file will contain information related to the position of the textand barcodes.

Label data—all the data associated with the label will be saved. For apatch panel label the job file will contain the data associated witheach port. The job file may also contain any “hard coded” text i.e. textthat remains the same across multiple labels.

Label formatting—any formatting applied to the label objects e.g. textformatting like font size, bold, italics, underline, rotation,horizontal and vertical alignment etc.

Data mapping—where a data grid is supplied for enabling a user to mapindividual data grid cells to a label object then the job file willcontain the mapping between the data grid and the label object.

Printer settings—collating sequence, mirrored settings, pause to cut,auto cut, number of labels etc.

Location of linked file, where the saved file has been linked to anexternal file.

Label auto fit settings—certain label editors may support label filesthat are saved with a certain cassette width and then opened in aneditor or printer with a cassette selected that has a different tapewidth. If applicable, the labels may be resized based on the width ofthe selected cassette.

Cassette unique identifier—the cassette unique identifier identifies thespecific cassette that the user has chosen. This allows the system todetermine the size, colour and material used in the cassette when thejob file is reopened.

Editor state—all the other parameters that are necessary to set theeditor in the same state it was when the job file was saved.

As discussed above, when a job file is saved the system may apply alabel application specific extension to the job file. For example apatch panel job has the extension “.PP JOB”. This allows the system tomatch a job file to a specific label application. The user is also ableto easily determine the type of label application just by looking at theicon for the file.

When a job file is open the job file is read and the label applicationmay be recognised. The application will then automatically open thecorresponding label application and populate the label editor withinformation from the saved job file.

In some embodiments the information in the job file is saved as an XMLfile. Accordingly a user can use any XML viewer to view the contents ofthe file. This may assist in making the job file compatible acrossmultiple platforms or label printer types. For example the user may wantto save the job file on their PC and also on one or more label printers.The job file makes it possible for the label file to be opened on any ofthese platforms in the manner in which the label was saved i.e. with thesame label data and formatting etc. In embodiments the label andassociated characteristics are presented in the same way across allplatforms e.g. on a PC and multiple label printers. This enhances userfriendliness since the user will become familiar with each label typeand will not have to work in a different manner on the differentplatforms.

Embodiments may be particularly useful where the user creates and printsthe same label multiple times. Instead of creating a new label everytime, the user can open a saved label file and print the labels withouthaving to go through the process of creating a label, formatting thelabel etc.

Some embodiments also provide a “link file” option which enables a userto link a saved label file with an external file. Accordingly changesmade to the external file may be automatically copied across to thesaved file, and vice versa. In other words the saved label file may besynchronised with an external file. This allows the user to maintain thedata externally and for the system to automatically fetch current datafrom the linked file every time the job file is open.

FIG. 7 shows a user interface 700 as presented to a user followingselection of file management icon 740. Using this feature a user cansort and organise their saved files. For example by clicking on icon 702the user can view their saved labels. By clicking on icon 704 the usercan view their saved images. By clicking on icon 706 a user can viewtheir saved label templates. In the embodiment of FIG. 7 the user hasselected icon 702 (i.e. “my labels”), as evidenced by the fact that thisicon is highlighted.

This presents a user with a “Manage my labels” region of the userinterface 708. Within region 708 is contained list 710 which listsdirectories on the user's PC. Adjacent list 710 there is displayed aregion 712 which shows labels that have been saved on the user's PC.This region 710 includes a “type” column 712, a “filename” column 714,and a “size” column 716. The user can sort the labels by any of theseheadings i.e. type, file name, size.

Adjacent region 710 is a further region 718 which displays labels whichhave been saved on a label printer. In this case the labels have beensaved on a “Dymo 7000” label printer, as shown at region 720. Similarlythis portion of the user interface comprises a “type” column 722, a“filename” column 724, and a “size” column 726. The user can sort thelabels by any of these headings.

In both regions 710 and 718 the type of label is also demonstrated by animage icon which enables a user to easily and quickly determine the typeof label. For example the flag label in region 718 comprises an image ofa flag label 728. The user interface 700 also provides a visualindication of the memory usage of the label printer, as shown at 730.

A user can transfer labels from the PC memory to the label printermemory and vice versa. To this end arrows 732 and 734 are provided. Thearrow 732 points in a direction from the PC memory region 710 to thelabel printer memory region 718. In the embodiments of FIG. 7 a user hasselected face plate label 736, and this label is highlighted in region710. The arrow 732 has also been highlighted. Following selection ofarrow 732 the faceplate label is transferred from the PC memory region710 to the label printer memory region 718. The face plate label isshown at 738 in region 718. In some embodiments the transferringcomprises copying the label from one region to another i.e. such thatthe label is then present in both regions. In other embodimentstransferring the label comprises removing the label from one region andinserting it in the other region.

Labels can be transferred from the label printer region 700 to the PCregion 710 in a similar manner. For example if a user selects one of thelabels in the region 718, then the arrow 734 will become highlighted. Ifthe user then selects arrow 734 that label will be transferred across toregion 710.

It will of course be appreciated that the means shown in FIG. 7 fortransferring labels is one example only, and that the labels can betransferred from PC to device, or from one device to another device inother ways. For example a user can drag-and-drop labels from one deviceto the other device by moving the labels between regions of the userinterface. Alternatively a user may click on a label icon in a regioncorresponding to one device, and then a subsequent click in a region ofthe user interface associated with another device may cause that labelto be transferred.

The way the user interface is displayed may also differ betweenembodiments. For example in FIG. 7 the labels saved on the label printerare shown horizontally adjacent the labels saved on the PC. In anotherembodiment the two regions may be vertically adjacent each other. Thememory usage of the PC may also be displayed in other embodiments. Thenumber of labels stored in each device may also differ from the numbershown in FIG. 7. If a device has yet to have any labels saved in itsmemory, then the region of the user interface corresponding to thatdevice may simply be left blank, or a message such as “no labels savedyet” may be displayed on the user interface in the appropriate region.

Another feature available to a user in some embodiments comprises a“favourites” feature. This enables a user to mark their favourite ormost preferred labels or label types. This is shown for example in FIGS.8 and 9. In FIG. 8 a user interface 800 is displayed. The user interfacecomprises a header region 802, which displays to a user the width oftape in the associated cassette. In this case the tape is 12 mm wide.The user interface 800 further comprises a menu region 804, from where auser can select a number of label types to begin a label creationprocess. There is also provided a toolbar region 806 from which a usercan select certain options. In the example of FIG. 8, the user is givena “continue editing” option 808, selection of which enables a user tomove to an editing screen so that editing of a label can be continued.

Toolbar region 806 also comprises “Open . . . ” icon 810. In the exampleof FIG. 8 the user has selected this icon 810 which has opened up aselection of saved labels. In this case the labels comprise faceplatelabels 812 and 814, and flag labels 816, 818 and 820. Adjacent savedflag label 816 is a highlighted star icon 822. This indicates to a userthat this is one of the user's favorite or most preferred labels. Thelabel 816 has accordingly been centred in the list of saved labels, sothat selection of this label is made easy for a user. Each of the otherlabels in the list comprises an outline of a star icon as shown at 824,826, 828 and 830. However these stars are not highlighted, whichindicates to a user that these are not the user's favourite or preferredlabels.

FIG. 9 shows a similar embodiment in which a user can easily selecttheir favourite or most preferred images to be inserted into a labelimage. In FIG. 9 the user interface 900 comprises a header region 902, alabel preview region 904, and a toolbar region 906. The label previewregion 904 comprises an end of a label to be printed 908.

The toolbar region 906 provides a user with a number of options. One ofthese options comprises a selectable icon 910, which when selectedprovides a user with a menu of images that can be inserted into thelabel image 908. The image options available to a user are shown in amenu 912. One of the images available to a user is a sign that warns auser of a slippery floor, as shown by image 914. Adjacent this image isa highlighted star icon 916 which shows to a user that this is one oftheir favourite or most preferred images. Each of the other images inthe menu 912 comprise an outline of the star image, but the star is nothighlighted. This displays to the user that these are non-preferredimages.

A user can undo an action of inserting an image by clicking on undo icon918. The user can also close down menu screen 912 by clicking on exiticon 920.

In these embodiments the user is able to quickly navigate to and selecttheir favourite options or saved labels, which may speed up the processof label creation.

In embodiments a user can change the state of the “favorite star”. Forexample a user could change the status of a highlighted favourites starto become non-highlighted to demonstrate that this is no longer afavoured option of the user. Likewise a non-highlighted favorite starcould be highlighted by a user to show that this is now a favouriteoption of the user.

In some embodiments there is a separate “favorites” list where allfavorite options are kept. Each time an option is made a “favourite” bya user then it is automatically transferred to the favorites list. Auser can also remove options from the favourites list by deselectingthat option.

The “favorite star” can be interacted with by selecting the star with aselector, or where the screen is a touchscreen by tapping on the star.For example, with reference to FIG. 8, if the non-highlighted star 824is selected by a user, then the icon would become highlighted to showthat this is now a favorite of the user. Likewise if the currentlyhighlighted star 822 is selected or tapped by a user, then this starwill become un-highlighted to show that it is no longer a favorite ofthe user.

It should of course be appreciated that the use of a star shape torepresent a user's most preferred option is one example only, and thatany other type of visual indicator may be used for this purpose. Forexample a different shape could be used for the favorites icon, or theoption itself may have a differently colored background, or a flashingbackground etc.

Embodiments may provide an improved user interface which enhances userfriendliness during a label creation process.

The skilled person would appreciate that any of the methods describedherein may be implemented using a computer program embodied on acomputer readable medium (such as a CDROM or memory within a stand-aloneprinter) for controlling a controller (or other similar apparatus asdiscussed above).

Embodiments may be used with continuous tape or die cut labels. Die cutlabels are provided on a continuous backing layer but are discrete,pre-cut labels. The tape or die cut labels may be provided in a cassetteor simply on a roll.

The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of certain embodiments.Modifications and alterations to the described embodiments will beapparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teaching herein. Itwill thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art would be able todevise numerous techniques which although not explicitly describedherein, embody the principles of the described embodiments and are thuswithin the scope defined by the claims.

1. A method comprising: displaying a first list of label files stored on a first device, and concurrently displaying a second list of label files stored on a second device; transferring label files between said first device and said second device; and updating at least one of said first list and said second list in response to said transferring.
 2. A method as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first list is displayed adjacent said second list.
 3. A method as set forth in claim 1, comprising using at least one selectable icon to cause said transferring.
 4. A method as set forth in claim 3, wherein said at least one selectable icon comprises at least one image of an arrow.
 5. A method as set forth in claim 3, wherein said selectable icon is displayed between said first list and said second list.
 6. A method as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first device comprises one of a label printer and a PC, and said second device comprises one of a label printer and a PC.
 7. A method as set forth in claim 1, comprising displaying a memory usage of one or both of said first device and said second device.
 8. A method as set forth in claim 1, wherein each label file of the label files is displayed with a respective image indicative of a type of label of the respective label file.
 9. A method as set forth in claim 8, wherein each label file is associated with a respective type of label comprising one of: a general label; a cable wrap label; a 110-block label; a patch panel label; a horizontal breaker label; an asset tracking label; a heat shrink label; an arc flash label; a quick label; a flag label; a distribution panel label; a terminal block label; a vertical breaker label; a pipe marking label; a self-laminating cable wrap label; a right-to-know label.
 10. A method as set forth in claim 1, wherein each label file is stored with a file name indicative of a type of label of the respective label file.
 11. A computer program comprising computer program code means adapted to perform the method of claim 1 when said program is run on a computer.
 12. An apparatus comprising: a controller for controlling a display; the controller configured to control the display to display a first list of label files stored on said apparatus, and concurrently display a second list of label files stored on a second apparatus; the controller configured to provide on the display a selector for transferring label files between said apparatus and said second apparatus; and in response to said transferring labels between said apparatus and said second apparatus, said controller configured to update at least one of said first list and said second list.
 13. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said controller is configured to display said first list adjacent said second list.
 14. An apparatus as set forth in claim 12, wherein said selector comprises at least one selectable icon.
 15. An apparatus as set forth in claim 14, wherein said selectable icon comprises at least one arrow.
 16. An apparatus as set forth in claim 12, wherein said controller is configured to control the display to display said selectable icon between said first list and said second list.
 17. An apparatus as set forth in claim 12, wherein said apparatus comprises one of a label printer and a PC, and said second apparatus comprises one of a label printer and a PC.
 18. An apparatus as set forth in claim 12, wherein said controller is configured to control the display to display a memory usage of one or both of said apparatus and said second apparatus.
 19. An apparatus as set forth in claim 12, wherein the controller is configured to control the display to display a memory usage of one or both of said first device and said second device.
 20. An apparatus as set forth in claim 12, wherein the controller is configured to control the display to display each label file of the label files with a respective image indicative of a type of label of the respective label file. 